M2 May 2018 - LATEST ISSUE!
Films to Watch: May 2018
With May the 4th being Star Wars Day, what better month than to preview the new Star Wars Movie! Check out Solo – A Star Wars Story, as well as a bunch of other upcoming flicks for the month of May Solo – A Star Wars Story It’s been 41 years since the first Star […]
Bond – Elements
Jaguar Land Rover has a new mission with James Bond – a three-year partnership at the state-of-the-art interactive experience, 007 ELEMENTS in Sölden, Austria. 007 ELEMENTS offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the world of the iconic secret agent in a new mountain-top location next to the ice Q restaurant used as the […]
Whisky 101 – A Guide To The Gentlemen’s Drink
We at M2 want you to enjoy this drink right. Whisky has a set of rules and requires etiquette that you must follow so you can experience this drink to the best of its quality. We’ve organised a step-by-step guide for the beginner whisky drinker so that they can experience all that a good whisky […]
If The Shoe Fits
Start the day on the right foot by making sure your shoe game is on point.
M2 PEAK PERFORMANCE powered by Under Armour
Liam Malone – The Fast Track To Success
The M2 Champagne Bollinger Man of the Year 2016 went to two time gold and one time silver medal winning Paralympian and blade running record breaker Liam Malone. He may have only had three years to prepare for Rio but as he has proven, he moves quickly. On and off the track. And this is […]
Going For Gold – David Bishop
Ex-engineering student, sport fanatic and skilled gymnast, David Bishop is a perfect example of someone who emulates the good ol’ Kiwi spirit. He has a can-do attitude, that lovable personality and the type of ability any sportsman would love to encompass. He is a medal-winning gymnast, fitness coach, and with some big competitions coming up, […]
Sand, Surf And Success
As a child, Matt-Lewis Hewitt had always been drawn towards sports that required discipline, teamwork and structured routine. Sports like rugby, swimming, surf lifesaving, water polo and, especially, surfing. Starting at 14 years old, it took Hewitt just 18 months before he was competing professionally in surfing. The young prodigy was headed for success, no […]
Train like an Athlete – The Climber Edition
Few of us can even begin to imagine clinging to the side of a more than vertical cliff-face and inching your way higher and higher until eventually clambering over the cusp: rock climbing definitely isn’t for the faint hearted. We talk to Joe Ward; the New Zealand Alpine Club National Boulder Series champion about the […]
Style
Best Of The Watch Fairs – 2018
What with luxury watch brands having slipped back into the mainstream market for watch buyers, the timepiece is still very much alive and well. The big names in the watch business – Switzerland, Italy etc – still produce top-quality timepieces that will stand the test of time. M2 have put together a list of luxury […]
If The Shoe Fits
Start the day on the right foot by making sure your shoe game is on point.
Style Update – May 2018
It’s time to fully embrace all the latest and greatest Autumn style trends. Here’s all the trends and pieces you need to get in on. Vans Vans never seem to fail anyone when they’re looking for fashionable, easy-to-wear shoes. They have the street cred as well. If you were a youngster in the early 80’s, […]
Wild
11 Deadliest Animals on the Planet, And How to Survive Them
The animal kingdom is a strange and wonderful place. From architects to mimes, assassins to philanderers, each animal has its own niche, a role and place. While we regularly encounter cats, dogs, birds and bugs, our chances of seeing dangerous animals are usually limited to visiting the zoo or watching The Discovery Channel. But while […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
Surgeons of the Sea
Free Willy vs Jaws… who wins? Hollywood has altered our expectations about how this sort of apex predator duel would go down. Unless you spend more time watching documentaries than old movies on VHS, then the answer isn’t so clear. The biggest great white sharks can measure six metres long, weigh more than 2200 kilograms […]
Behind The Lens: Open Ocean
The thought of delving into the deep and getting face-to-face with some of the world’s biggest and deadliest beasts is not something everyone can face. But it is a different story for underwater videographer and adrenaline junkie, Steve Hathaway. Fascinated about life under the surface, M2 dove straight in when the opportunity arose to talk […]
Snow
Climbing The Podium: Kiwis at the Winter Paralympics
The Winter Games, both Olympic and Paralympic, usually pass with minimal mention down under, but in the case of the compact Kiwi Paralympian team heading to South Korea this March, there’s reason to take notice. For a global event that is heavily dominated by northern hemisphere athletes, New Zealand participants more than hold their own. […]
The Mazda SKI-ACTIV Experience
I vividly remember the first time I actually put skis on and hit (quite literally) the snow. I was in my late teens and full of bravado; I headed to the top of the chairlift, strapped on two planks of wood and shot down the slope – straight into a tree. The sensation was both […]
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
STEF ZEESTRATEN: HALFPIPE HEDONIST
From one of the flattest countries in the world, to the sharp ascents of the Southern Alps, Dutch-born Stef Zeestraten has, as is his wont, carved a name for himself in New Zealand snowboarding folklore. Throughout his 17-year competitive career that saw him peak at 47th in the world in 2008, Zeestraten has followed the serious […]
Leadership
Building An Icon – Sir George Fistonich
Drinks International has for the fourth year in a row named Villa Maria as one of the most admired wine brands in the world and the highest ranking New Zealand winery in this year’s “World’s Most Admired Wine Brands” list. And while Villa Maria has become an icon in the New Zealand wine industry and […]
Industry In Site
Over the past few years, we have seen a huge jump in the level of innovation, experience and concepts within the hospitality industry in this part of the world. No longer do we have to jump on a plane to get unique and exciting hospitality experiences. We are creating world-class cafes, restaurants, hotels and developments […]
Impact From Simplicity
In a world of exponential innovation, disruptive technologies and giddy cryptocurrency speculation a discussion about another KiwiSaver fund might seem a little vanilla. But after a few minutes with Simplicity founder, Sam Stubbs even the most finically unfocused would be hard pressed not to find excitement in compounded interest from saved fees, the growth of […]
Reinvention At Scale
Spark CEO, Simon Moutter, is leading our largest telco through the one of the most disruptive eras in business and the tech industry. All whilst reinventing the nature and structure of a company that employs thousands of New Zealanders and invests hundreds of millions into infrastructure. This is a process that is helped by the logic and pragmatism of a […]
Gadgets
B & O Play
Audiophiles and tech aficionados rejoice – Bang and Olufsen have revamped their B&O PLAY line, with the introduction of the H9i and H8i. Beoplay H9i B&O’s top of the range over-ear headphones now flaunt a slimmer ear cushion and a change in materials and design. Sporting a lightweight aluminium frame covered in cowhide leather, the […]
The Huawei Mate 10 Series Jumps into the Superphone era
Huawei is making some bold claims about its new Mate 10 series. Its biggest being the world’s first mobile AI-specific Neural Network Processing Unit, within its Kirin 970 AI mobile chipset. What does that even mean? Let’s find out! The Kirin 970 AI chipset’s specialised NPU, combined with Huawei’s HiAI mobile computing platform, means the Mate […]
Take Flight Into The Future
We’re only two years off 2020. It seems rather matter of fact, but by movie standards, you’d expect we’d be riding around on hover boards, have robot assistants and be flying around in cars, right? Actual technological advancements and ideas tend to live on separate timelines… but the realm of flying cars is becoming excitingly […]
Fool Proof Gadget Guide
It’s that time of year again, can you believe it? Christmas has a way of just appearing out of nowhere, even though we have an entire 12 months to prepare for it! The thing that gets me the most, however, is the question that starts popping up around about this time of year… “Hey honey, […]
Mandate
Editors Letter For July 2017
It’s not the most masculine way to start of the editor’s letter of a men’s magazine but the other day I watched Bambi. I was watching it with my 2-year-old daughter so I have an excuse… honestly. Apart from the whole orphaned baby deer thing I was really taken with the technical execution of the […]
Mandate July 2017
The Lula Inn is a new bar and eatery on the Viaduct with a unique Pasifika style. Great food and great entertainment, combined with a huge range of gins and some of the best cocktails on the Viaduct. If you are looking for a night out in town that is a little bit different, then […]
take a $12,000 journey in Japan’s Luxury Train
Earlier in May train and travel enthusiasts got their first look at the luxurious new Shiki-shima Sleeper train. The exterior is striking and stylish, hinting at what you can expect on the inside. It’s a 10 car train, and you’d think that it would fit a lot, but it only accommodates 34 people. Of course all […]
2017 – The Year That Was
Another year over, another year wiser… Or not, as the case may be. If 2016 saw a plethora of, erm, questionable choices from a global perspective – Trump and Brexit, in particular, spring to mind – then 2017 has been the year when those choices have really begun to hit home… January The world watches, […]
Man on the Street
Man On The Street – Henry Beasley
When your life is full of writing, acting, producing AND being the lead singer of a band, you’re bound to have something interesting to say. Henry Beasley takes a few minutes with M2 to discuss life, success and motivation in this edition of Man On The Street: Age: 24 Occupation: Writer, actor, producer and […]
Man On The Street – Jared Smith
If you didn’t need money, what would you do? “I’d still build. I’d build cars, build tree houses, build cool alternative structures. I am not one to be able to do nothing, I always find something to keep my hands busy” – This guy clearly loves his job. Age: 28 Occupation: Owner of Round […]
Man On The Street – Adam Metcalf
Age 27 Occupation: Head Chef at Lula Inn What’s your morning routine? A PT session at Les Mills and then straight into the kitchen for work. What’s the top three things on your bucket list? 1. Nevis Bungy jump 2. Visit Old Trafford 3. Eat at Alinea restaurant in Chicago What advice would you give […]
Man On The Street – Shawn Pope
Age: 46 Occupation: Director of Melba Group What’s your morning routine? Starts with coffee, preferably roasted by Espresso Workshop, it always has! What are the top three things on your bucket list? Spend a white Christmas with my family in the States, travel on the Orient Express (can’t wait to see St Petersburg), windsurf on […]
Design
Star Wars Laser Battle Drone
Propel (the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of radio-controlled devices) has recently released a new toy on the market, launching gaming and high-tech droning into the next galaxy. With The Last Jedi having hit the big screen last month, and more themed merchandise arriving on shelves around the country, Star Wars-mania is well and truly […]
The Gemma Observatory
There’s something quite awe-inspiring about stargazing. Looking deep into the speckled abyss of the cosmos is a humbling sensation felt by all since the dawn of humankind. Stargazers both serious and amateur will be left, well, starstruck by the Gemma Observatory – a slick, custom built observatory in that can rotate to give different views […]
To The Manor Reborn AKA Unearthing Diamonds
The opportunity arose to visit the Jaguar Land Rover Classic Works in Coventry, and I seized it with both hands. Not only would it give me the chance to pore over such iconic cars as the E-Type and Land Rover Series 1 , but it also came with the offer of being chauffeur driven there and back in a […]
The Boaties Dream – Natural Selection
Have you got a couple $100 million spare change handy? Perhaps you’re an aspiring Bond villain? Or maybe you’ve been implicated in the Panama Papers? Well, you’re in luck – Netherlands-based yacht design company Sinot’s latest concept design, Nature is a vessel ripped straight out of a Putin daydream. It’s called Nature for a reason; […]
Deep Dives
The Modern Day Space Race
The solar system we occupy is a fascinating place, that’s for certain – nine planets that glow as beacons and an uncountable infinity of stars. Beginning in the late 1950s, a race pitted capitalist America against communist Soviet Union to see who was superior with their space technology. The Soviets took the lead by launching […]
Who Is Using Your Data?
Zuckerberg: Yeah so if you ever need info about anyone at Harvard Just ask. I have over 4,000 emails, pictures, addresses, SNS [Redacted Friend’s Name]: What? How’d you manage that one? Zuckerberg: People just submitted it. I don’t know why. They “trust me”. Zuckerberg: Dumb f**ks. This was an ironically leaked series of messages between […]
All Hail Our Secret Government
It’s a golden time for lobbyists at the moment. We’ve just had a change in government and that means it’s time for everything to change, come what may. Duh, it has to – as the last guys obviously got every single thing wrong! But there’s a slight problem in that, aside from a couple of […]
The Fight For Gender Diversity – An Ad Man’s POV
So, a high-powered panel of female leaders featuring Theresa Gattung, Justine Smyth, Tracey Cross, Naomi Ballantyne and Linda Meade were at the M2woman Journey to Excellence forum recently. I think it’s fair to say that the gist of their forum was; “we want moregender equality in the workplace! Now, dammit! Now!” Huh? Is this really […]
Cover Stories
David Beckham’s Guide To Success – Incredible Lessons for Success On and Off the Field
The prototypical script for a famous footballer goes something like this: You play 10 years (if you’re lucky). Possibly win a league title in the process (if you’re lucky). Finally, you negotiate a broadcasting career where you play pundit and banter with other ‘legends of the sport’ (that is, if you’re lucky). You then retire for […]
Eddie Redmayne – The Real Fantastic Beast
I try my best to avoid cliche, but there’s this famous quote that goes, “if you do what you love, you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. While normally I would lump that quote in with gems such as “live, laugh, love” and “keep calm and carry on”, I feel like using […]
Double Edged: The Return of Blade Runner
We’re treading on hallowed ground now. We all knew that one day Hollywood’s rummaging hand would light upon a classic like Blade Runner. They’ve already made the right first move by not rebooting everything from scratch. The second move they need to make is far more nuanced. Just a little background for readers who are […]
Hugh Jackman – Hollywood’s Favourite Wolf
They say nice guys finish last. Hugh Jackman says otherwise. The do-it-all megastar and face of Montblanc is widely regarded as the nicest man in showbiz. A jack of all trades and master of it all. TV? He’s done it. Hollywood? A bankable star and A-lister. Broadway? Conquered it and added not one, but two Tony […]
Success
Changing The World With Data
As an ex-mechanical engineer and farmer, Clint Van Marrewijk has probably had a varied pathway to co-founding a data driven New Zealand company that is gaining exponential global growth and changing the way that people are interacting with their environment. While ThunderMaps is being used by councils and large organisations around the globe, the concept […]
18 Ways to be a Better Man
Being a man doesn’t just mean being macho. Being a better man means wanting to develop the qualities of inner strength, confidence, having moral qualities, possessing honesty and integrity and being a positive example. A better man wants to be courageous and bold, challenged and to feel a sense of contribution. Here’s our list of […]
Playing the Perfect Host
I recently had a chat with Dominic Bowden, (X-Factor, Dancing With the Stars, The Bachelor) about our shared connection with ‘anamorphic’ artist Edgar Mueller, who recently passed through the country as part of the launch for Mazda’s new CX-5. I had the ignoble task of holding Mueller up in the departures lounge for an interview […]
Kiwi Author Sells Book Rights to Hollywood
Ben Sanders was not a name I had heard of when I saw his books in stores for Christmas. So after a few sightings, I got the message and read American Blood. I liked it. The hero, Marshall, wasn’t as arrogant as Jack Reacher, and not as active as Jason Bourne. He was a good […]
Amazing Photos
The Next Revolution
The next revolution in photography has landed as the Sony World Photography Awards, an annual competition held by the World Photography Organization. A stunning celebration of capturing life’s most precious moments with just one click. On its 11th year (and counting), the awards are back and bigger than ever. Over 320,000 entries were considered last […]
Long Live The Silver Screen
Think about the magic and excitement of driving up to a local parking lot, ready to watch the latest feature film in the comfort of your own car. The light from the projector beams a dancing stream of images onto the giant screen ahead, while kids laugh and play beneath the screen. American-based photographer Lindsey […]
Walk on the Wild Side
Expressionist American photographer, Aaron Siskind once said: ‘Photography is a way of feeling, of touching, of loving. What you have caught on film is captured forever…’ We bring you the iconic shots from The Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2017, developed and produced by the National History Museum, London. Capturing the most magical parts of […]
Rebuilding a Nation
It was 2.45pm on March 11, 2011; everything was normal for Japan’s 127 million residences. It was one of the first days of spring and the air was still crisp, and there was no real hint of the chilling events about to strike the nation. The 9.0 magnitude quake hit at 2.46pm JST, and it […]
Sport
David Beckham’s Guide To Success – Incredible Lessons for Success On and Off the Field
The prototypical script for a famous footballer goes something like this: You play 10 years (if you’re lucky). Possibly win a league title in the process (if you’re lucky). Finally, you negotiate a broadcasting career where you play pundit and banter with other ‘legends of the sport’ (that is, if you’re lucky). You then retire for […]
Sport – June 2017
FORMULA ONE, POST BERNIE It may still be the same old picture in the Constructors’ Championship, but reigning champion Nico Rosberg’s replacement, Valtteri Bottas has stepped up to challenge team mate and enfant terrible, Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes’ new boy claimed the recent Russian Grand Prix, while Ferrari’s resurgence has seen Sebastian Vettel as a fixture […]
Sports News: May 2018
The One To Watch Wyatt Crockett Longevity the Maketh of a Legend If he plays every game leading up to the Eden Park clash with the Blues, Wyatt Crockett will become the first player to reach 200 Super Rugby games. And, with his track record it’s not hard to imagine he’ll play a part in […]
WINSTON FROM WESTHAM
Big footballing names are few and far between in New Zealand, but in recent times, the national side have had a genuine star of the game leading the way to the FIFA World Cup. In 2010, Ryan Nelsen famously led the All Whites to an unbeaten Cup run, and his underling in that tournament has […]
Bucket List Experiences
The Ecological Oasis – Oman Botanical Gardens
A wonder of the ancient world, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon were a tall beacon of green packed full of abundant plant life, ripe fruit and flowing waterfalls, said to be created by Babylonian King Nebuchadnezzar II as a gift to his wife. As we all know, history has that weird habit of repeating itself, and, […]
Destination Du Jour – Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
Greeted by hectares of lush tropical gardens with the ocean in sight, and lagoon pools beckoning in a shimmering blue, the magical holiday atmosphere is unmistakable at the Sheraton Grand Mirage. A swim-up bar serving cocktails in glasses the size of a fishbowl is just one of the reasons that this five-star resort is ideal […]
New Zealand Snow Guide 2017
With a cold blast hitting much of New Zealand earlier than expected, ski fields the length of the country have been able to open with bonus time to spare. Seasoned snow bunnies know their spots on both islands, but for those looking to venture out and experience new terrain and thrills, where do you go […]
Top 10 Hikes In New Zealand
Walking, hiking, tramping – they’re Kiwi traditions that everyone loves. There are a wide variety of walks around the country to suit anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an old hand, there’s a walk out there for you. Here at the M2 office, we’re big fans of anything that’s fun, active, and gives […]
Wheels
Grass(hopper) Roots
When it comes to cars, the stories that surround them can often be as big as the marques themselves. However, our friends at Continental Cars – Porsche have an absolute doozy that we need to tell you all about. t’s a story of vision, it’s a story of dedication, it’s a story of passion and, […]
Simple Pleasures – The new CX-5 Launch
Let’s face it, modern everyday life can be pretty busy. Between the necessity of work and the demands that come with family and friends, there seems to be so much pressure to do things. Time appears to be going by so fast (even speeding up) and very little of it is spent metaphorically speaking ‘silently […]
A Pearl In Two Shells
(Well, ok, three if you add the Cabriolet) Apparently, there are saloon people and there are those that have a penchant for the styling of a coupe. Mercedes-Benz New Zealand figured they’d let me decide what my preference was by lending me two E400 models, back to back. As you are probably already well aware, the […]
Jaguar Performing, Performance Art
Performing Arts are essentially an emotional expression. They are a way for artists to convey feelings and emotive articulation through the likes of music, dance and theatre and generally in front of a live audience. The Jaguar Art of Performance Tour is all of the above but aptly presented, in vehicular format. In a very […]
Health
Top 5 New Zealand Activities for Healthy Living
To the outside world, New Zealand carries a reputation for healthy living owing much to the great outdoors lifestyle and engagement with sports and leisure pastimes, such as rugby, skiing and water activities. A 2015 study of 20 nations ranked New Zealand second in its life span category; and only last November, NZ topped the […]
Riding the Winning Cycle
In being content with the rugged terrain of New Zealand’s beautiful biking tracks, a cross-country cyclist yearns for a good challenge. With an ever-changing landscape, the mixture of adrenaline and dust, the heat of metal and the whizz of turning wheels, the testament of the racer is most definitely in the skill of the riding. […]
5 Food Tips That Will Make you Look & Feel Better
You are what you eat. So if you’re like me you’re pretty quick, but mostly garbage. That doesn’t need to be the case, however! There are plenty of easy things we can do with our diet that will make us look and feel like winners. BREAKFAST FOR ENERGY Make sure you start the day with […]
Health News – August 2017
New Balance New Balance is bridging the gap between performance and lifestyle shoes with their latest release, the 574 Sport. Known for their classic running style, New Balance is injecting their widely recognised running style into a shoe that is sporty, yet sleek – in other words a shoe you can wear to the gym […]
Entertainment
NELSON DEMILLE
America’s Greatest Living Thriller Writer (as titled on the front cover of his latest novel, The Cuban Affair), Nelson Demille writes his books with a pencil and paper from his home in Long Island, New York. It’s a process that works for him. The Cuban Affair (his 20th novel) has hit-the-ground-running by heading straight to […]
Three Movies to See in September 2017
Dunkirk blew people away and was a surprise hit in New Zealand, but now it’s time to look forward to what September has to offer. IT You know that movie still of the clown peaking out from a storm drain at a little kid? This is the reboot of that, cashing in on peoples fear […]
The Sky is the Limit
After the recent Release of their hit singles ‘Run’ and ‘the sky is a neighbourhood’, We had a chance to sit down and talk with the Foo Fighters lead guitarist, Chris Shiflett, about the new album concrete and gold. From the challenges of balacing his family life, to the highlights of his career, we give […]
The Petrol Head Fix – The Grand Tour Season 2 On Amazon Prime
Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and James May work together like a finely tuned, umm, err…supercar, and if you’ve been missing your fix from the beastly petrolhead triumvirate, The Grand Tour returns for Season 2 on Amazon Prime, with the boys back with their classic high-octane wit and shenanigans. Springboarding off the success of Season 1, […]
Food
The Burger Battle
Each week seems to bring another burger joint opening, but hey, we’re not complaining. But with each new opening comes a new concept, so which fusion, style or flavour do you pick? Better Burger These guys seem to be taking on the city, with the recent opening of their Sylvia Park store showing they have […]
Discover Your New Local – Ben Bayly’s Less Obvious Guide to the Best Restaurants
We live in a golden age of chefs. Between the move towards consumers seeking a more personal and authentic dining experience, Auckland is bubbling over with cooking legends who not only practice world-class gastronomy but also manage to remain authentic with more focus on craft than profit. Ben Bayly, one of the judges on New […]
Recipe: Butter Infused With All Natural Ingredients
When it comes to summer food there is one thing many of us look forward to all year – BBQs. Perfectly cooked steak, fresh prawns and locally caught fish with summer salads and perla potatoes. It’s a summer tradition, really! Award-winning chef Owen Sinclair has created a must-have for your next BBQ with Flavour Fiend […]
Destination Du Jour – Luxury With An Alibi
We all love a luxury dining experience, one filled with a chic interior, outstanding aesthetic and a complete sensory experience. Alibi restaurant delivers this and more, as Australia’s first ever 100% fully plant-based restaurant. Australia’s first ever 100 percent fully plant-based restaurant, Alibi, opened this March. Located in the Sydney suburb of Woolloomooloo, on the […]
Wine
Fizz The Season
Often referred to as the elixir of the gods and quite possibly the magic potion from Gaul that often appeared in Asterix comics, Champagne has long been the celebratory drink for all occasions. To a large part, the wine makers use predominantly Pinot Noir grapes mainly from the Champagne region mixed with Chablis from the […]
Bollinger: The Nectar of the Gods
Champagne has never been just a wine. It has long been recognised as something special, and until recent times, something that has only been enjoyed by nobility. Often referred to as, “the Nectar of the Gods”. hampagne can only be called Champagne if it comes from the Champagne region – an area that rarely sees […]
Chardonnay VS. Chablis
In this issue we compare some of our best New Zealand Chardonnays with their close relatives from the Chablis region of France. The big difference we found was the flinty minerality of the Chablis versus the more dominant fruit flavours that came through in their New Zealand counterparts. To be called a Chablis they must […]
The Art of Great Taste
Australia’s oldest family-owned winery has put its years of experience and wine pioneering expertise to good use with the exceptional and rare new wine, the 2012 Yalumba The Caley Cabernet & Shiraz. Under a moonlit sky, 168 years ago, Yalumba winemakers planted their first vines. Now, as the only Australian winery to have its own […]
Coach Your Way To Success
Commitment Strategy and Resilience
Commitment Have you ever wondered why you don’t always get the results you want? As unpalatable as the answer is, it is likely to be that you didn’t commit enough energy and resource to it. There are, of course, many situations where it simply wasn’t worth any more effort! Fine, but don’t whine about the […]
Audacious Social Entrepreneur Needed
M2 Coach Podcast – An Audacious Social Entrepreneur Needed BIG DISRUPTION IS LOOKING FOR AN AUDACIOUS SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR – IS ANYONE LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY? Automation and artificial intelligence have been conservatively reported as eliminating approximately 30 percent of all jobs in developed countries before 2032 (15 years’ time). I personally think this figure is […]
When To Not Care in Business
It’s not often I get the time to sit down and read a book. Maybe it was something about the title that provoked an interest. If anyone is familiar with the bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, Mark Manson tells us that not giving […]
Turn Your Opportunities Into Success
Are you going to get off your arse this year and turn your opportunities into success? New Zealand needs you (yes, all of you) to be very successful! Success is defined differently by different people, and while this means a resulting wide range of varied outcomes, it is undisputed that we are all capable of […]
Luxury Watches
The Race Against Time
When you think of watch makers you might think of far-flung European cities with gingerbread houses and a proliferation of bicycles. Definitely your first thought won’t stray toward our very own City of Sails. But it should, because we have creatives in Auckland who are starting to make waves. One of them is the father-son […]
Girard-Perregaux Top Picks of 2017
Laureato Skeleton Girard-Perregaux impresses yet again with the Laureato Skeleton, showcasing a striking transparent design that boldly shows the inner workings of the skillfully crafted Laureato collection. The harmony between interior and exterior is a paramount objective in both architecture and horology, and the Laureato Skeleton displays what happens when the best of two disciplines […]
Omega Picks of 2017
Seamaster Planet Ocean Sporting an eye-catching navy blue and burnt orange colourway, “Big Blue” as Omega have nicknamed it, is bold in style, clever in design and grabs attention in a manner vastly different to your standard luxury watches. Omega have springboarded off the success of last year’s Planet Ocean “Deep Black” and have dived deeper […]
Ulysse Nardin Picks of 2017
Classic Manufacture “Grand Feu” Emphasis on the perfection of finer details showcases a commitment to precision and meticulousness – everything expected from a true upper tier watch. The Ulysse Nardin Classic Manufacture is exemplary in this field with enamel detailing taking centrestage on the dial. Intensive effort goes into achieving the enameling detailing; Ulysse Nardin […]
Drink
Clink Clink Drink
Whiskey has been a passion of mine for a while now. Way before I started my Instagram, @clinkclinkdrink, I would enjoy a regular dram with my dad. Since then I have embraced the full definition of what whiskey can be – Scotch, Irish, bourbon, rye, even New Zealand and Japanese. Whiskey is great neat, but […]
New Whisky Alert: Ardbeg An Oa
It’s Friday, so what do you have lined up tonight? Because heads up for Whiskey lovers, a new Single Malt hit NZ yesterday, the Ardbeg An Oa. Ardbeg’s Director of Distilling, Whisky Creation & Whisky Stocks, Dr Bill Lumsden, says, “Ardbeg An Oa’s rounded and subtly smoky aromas reflect all the contrasts of the Mull […]
Whisky 101 – A Guide To The Gentlemen’s Drink
We at M2 want you to enjoy this drink right. Whisky has a set of rules and requires etiquette that you must follow so you can experience this drink to the best of its quality. We’ve organised a step-by-step guide for the beginner whisky drinker so that they can experience all that a good whisky […]
New Zealand just got its first saké professional
Our craft beer market has plenty of gurus willing to provide you brews on your journey of beer discovery, but in New Zealand it’s a little tough to find the right person to guide you through your saké experience. Once you get the taste for saké you never go back. Now, Fuminobu (Fumi) Nakatani – […]
Authors
Clive Cussler – The Underwater Adventurer
Best-selling author of up to 70 books (and counting), Clive Cussler is a writer with an insanely vivid imagination. Swashbuckling adventures, megalomaniac villains, the electricity of espionage, the excitement of discovering sunken ships…intrigue, action, a snippet of humour – there’s something for every reader in Cussler’s writing. The author of The Mediterranean Caper (1973), Sahara […]
Kiwi Author Sells Book Rights to Hollywood
Ben Sanders was not a name I had heard of when I saw his books in stores for Christmas. So after a few sightings, I got the message and read American Blood. I liked it. The hero, Marshall, wasn’t as arrogant as Jack Reacher, and not as active as Jason Bourne. He was a good […]
Chris Carter – The Hunter And The Hunted
Chris Carter is a crime writer with a long résumé of published works. He is most well-known for his Robert Hunter series of detective novels, which includes An Evil Mind, One By One, The Night Stalker and The Crucifix Killer, all of which have enjoyed big success globally. But dig deeper into his CV, and […]
NELSON DEMILLE
America’s Greatest Living Thriller Writer (as titled on the front cover of his latest novel, The Cuban Affair), Nelson Demille writes his books with a pencil and paper from his home in Long Island, New York. It’s a process that works for him. The Cuban Affair (his 20th novel) has hit-the-ground-running by heading straight to […]
Book Reviews
Book reviews – March 2018
By Tim Lawrence I haven’t read the first two Orphan X novels, but I did read and review another Hurwitz novel last year, Tell No Lies, where I said: “ The story is set in San Francisco, the hero is a rich kid with a tough, wealthy mother; he gives up everything to marry his […]
Books: Must Reads For April
Gallery Of The Dead Chris Carter Robert Hunter, the insomniac genius detective, is back with a novel that fulfills the cover’s proclamation that it is ‘as addictive as a box-set’. I agree, I was bingeing this book at every opportunity. Excellent characters and plot. The Caller Chris Carter Don’t be put off by the tacky […]
THREE BOOKS TO READ THIS MONTH
Three Days And A Life Pierre Lemaitre Reading this book for me was like watching a great arthouse film. Lemaitre, who Stephen King says is “a really excellent suspense novelist”, had me gripped from the opening pages. I really felt for our lead character and wondered what was he going to do. How do you […]
Books: Must Reads For May
The Rising Sea By Clive Cussler Cussler has a number of franchises, this time its the latest from the Numa Files, starring Kurt Austin. A new marine based action thriller, starting off in 1573 to set the scene, then back to theimplications today with our heros and the bad guys. I always look forward to […]
M2 April 2018 issue
The Chair: Rob Campbell
Over the last 30 years Rob Campbell is on the board of some of our largest companies across our largest industries. Currently Chair of Summerset Group Holdings (NZ) and WEL Energy, and a director of SKYCITY Entertainment Group and Precinct Properties as well a director of or advisor to a number of hedge and private […]
Ferrari 488 Challenge – It’s Big, Really BIG
New Zealand punches above its weight in so many sports, boxing, rugby (of course), cricket, netball, sailing and motorsport to name but a few. However, aside from a particular chosen few, our venues still leave a lot to be desired. We are seldom on the list of must-see stadiums or event centres, but it would […]
Gadgets: Soundcast VG7
A good soundtrack can prove to be the missing ingredient that can enhance an experience. You’ve got the BBQ fired up, the steaks sizzling, brews in hand while the cooing of the Backstreet Boys Foo Fighters rallies the party together. Or maybe you’ve opted for a candlelit dinner for two and have Sade playing softly […]
The Importance Of Creating Original Content
If content is king, original content is the Holy Grail. In today’s marketplace, your customers are screaming for exciting, engaging and entertaining original content. How important is creating original content? Well take a look at the world of video streaming. There is now an arms race between the likes of Apple, Netflix and Amazon to […]
M2 MARCH 2018 issue
Jaguar Performing, Performance Art
Performing Arts are essentially an emotional expression. They are a way for artists to convey feelings and emotive articulation through the likes of music, dance and theatre and generally in front of a live audience. The Jaguar Art of Performance Tour is all of the above but aptly presented, in vehicular format. In a very […]
Marketing – The Necessary Evil
Marketing is often referred to as a necessary evil in many businesses. In a world that’s over-saturated with choice, information and contradicting advice, it can often be overwhelming. With no one tried and tested successful formula that can be blanketed to every industry, it is also frustrating for both the client and marketing agency trying […]
Chaoyang Park Plaza
Inner-city buildings can often be categorised as ‘uninspired’ – giant eyesores, often blocky in nature, they tower in an overshadowing manner, a bit like the Lurch from the Addams Family. Chaoyang Park Plaza, designed by MAD Architects, offers thoughtfulness and a clever aesthetic, very different than many buildings dotted around the Beijing CBD. Taking inspiration […]
Eating Now A Full Sensory Experience
They say that you eat with your eyes first. Humans are creatures requiring stimulus, and with structured perceptions of what food is. Typically, if we don’t like how food looks, we won’t eat it. ECAL student Erika Marthins is tackling food from a technological perspective, combining movement, noise and light with food to challenge our […]
M2 FEBRUARY 2018 issue
Man On The Street – Christian Espinoza
Age: 34 Occupation: Studio Manager at Kingsize Studios What’s your morning routine? I wake up at 5am, write down what I want to get done, cook breakfast for my son, leave for work. Then check phone messages. How did you spend your Christmas / New Year’s break? I spent it in Melbourne with family and […]
Dylan O’Brien – Out Of The Maze
Dylan O’Brien is one of those actors whose performance sticks in your mind days after you’ve seen him on the screen. First introduced to audiences on MTV’s Teen Wolf in 2011, this young screen prodigy has certainly battled it up the ranks to score one of the most coveted roles in Hollywood to date. Maze […]
Bag To Work
Going back to work at the start of the year is never an easy task. Make things a little easier by buying yourself a nice new bag to organise your belongings in the hopes of an organised new year! From left: Working Style leather briefcase, $790; Merchant 1948 newport canvas satchel, $100; Ted Baker leather backpack, […]
Destination Du Jour – Sheraton Grand Mirage Resort Gold Coast
Greeted by hectares of lush tropical gardens with the ocean in sight, and lagoon pools beckoning in a shimmering blue, the magical holiday atmosphere is unmistakable at the Sheraton Grand Mirage. A swim-up bar serving cocktails in glasses the size of a fishbowl is just one of the reasons that this five-star resort is ideal […]
M2 JANUARY 2018 issue
War Rages On
After nearly 40 years and countless trips to the battle zones of Afghanistan, American photographer Steve McCurry has finally finished his latest body of work and book, Afghanistan… and it is nothing short of incredible. In-between living in New York and spending time at his holiday home, McCurry has spent a large part of his career […]
A Flash Of Inspiration
Thirty Years of Design Passion perfectly describes a very special anniversary at Matisse. It wasn’t always easy. While discussing the development of his moulded plywood chairs, Charles Eames noted “Yes it was a flash of inspiration… A kind of thirty year flash.” When I look back on thirty years of bringing the world’s greatest furniture designs […]
Matt Smith – The Fresh Prince
Time Lord or Prince Charming? Take your pick, but rising star Matt Smith can lay claim to both. The rising style icon, ex-Doctor Who, and now Prince Philip, in Netflix blockbuster The Crown, is beginning to carve out his own kingdom – one role at a time. The divine right of kings is a religious […]
Fashion Trend – Prints Collide
All of our favourite brands have jumped on the print trend this season and we are all for it, now it’s your turn to give it a try in your summer wardrobe. Shirt, $219, Ted Baker Shirt, POA, Louis Vuitton Swim Trunks, $125, Tom & Teddy, from smith and Caugheys Shirt, $34.99, Cotton on Trunks, […]
M2 DECEMBER 2017 issue - Man of the Year issue
Man On The Street – Stephen Smith
Age: 44 Occupation: Chief Hydration Officer What’s your morning routine? Exercise most mornings, clear urgent emails, have a 1Above Recovery drink with a Best Ugly Bagel and then get the kids to school. What are the top three things on your bucket list? Snowboard in Japan Intern at Tesla, Facebook or Google Further education at […]
If You Want to Have Big Success, You Need to Become More
“There is one thing that 99 percent of failures and successful people have in common: they all hate doing the same things. The difference is successful people do them anyway.” – Darren Hardy “Higher success requires you to be a better version of yourself.” Prolific motivational speaker Jim Rohn said that, many years ago. “If you […]
The Art Of Goal Setting
Break it down No, I am not writing about a bad boy band song from the 1990s, but how we go about setting our business, personal development or financial goals (insert eye roll here). Yes, another article on goal setting. There are so many articles and experts on the subject, however, the one thing I have […]
Christmas Gift Guide
We bring you some of our favourite pieces that will make great gifts for the season of giving. The art of gifting At Gift Bird we make giving easy. We’ve joined with Forest & Bird, you buy and we donate to the birds – a gift that goes on giving. Buy one Box and, go in […]
M2 NOVEMBER 2017 issue
Hugh Jackman – Hollywood’s Favourite Wolf
They say nice guys finish last. Hugh Jackman says otherwise. The do-it-all megastar and face of Montblanc is widely regarded as the nicest man in showbiz. A jack of all trades and master of it all. TV? He’s done it. Hollywood? A bankable star and A-lister. Broadway? Conquered it and added not one, but two Tony […]
Science Not Fiction
Like it or not, you guys all know the importance of looking after your skin. Yes, that means washing your mug and using those ‘creams and stuff’ that your partner uses – she will love you for it! Cleanse But with so many products out there claiming to do different things, it can become a […]
MEET THE MAKER – David Alexander Flinn
With the addition of the new fragrance ‘Y’ to the YSL catalogue, the well-seasoned fragrance house teams up with three different artists and a talented creative team to form a campaign that celebrates the makers out there. Meet David Alexander Flinn, a sculptor, filmmaker, artist and model; YSL talks to him about what motivates, challenges […]
Editor’s Letter, November 2017
Unless you have been living under a rock without an internet connection, you will no doubt be aware of the tidal wave of #MeToo status updates prompted by the Harvey Weinstein revelations. What was a sordid Hollywood story of power and abuse has opened the door and cast a light on a dynamic that exists […]
M2 OCTOBER 2017 issue
A New Drop
A harvest gold complexion and a fiery-but-curious sweet toffee texture, Ardbeg An Oa is a magical addition welcomed to the Islay Malts. Layered with a plethora of different flavours, the complex whiskey contains an illuminating exploration of age-old techniques. Gathering Vats combine different casks to marry flavours together; the tastes and emotions that Ardbeg have […]
The Tesla of The Sea
Designed by Hinckley, Dasher is the world’s first fully electric luxury motor yacht. The 28.5 footer was designed from the ground up with electric propulsion in mind. It shaves as much weight off as it can from its carbon-epoxy composite hull, to its hand-painted, lightweight Artisanal Teak. As a result it’s the lightest boat the 90 […]
Movies To Watch Out For In October 2017
Thor: Ragnarok I used to write ordered lists of which Marvel Universe movies you should watch in order to see whatever the latest Avengers film to come out. But now that the cinematic universe now contains 17 movies I’ve sort of given up on that. But if you do want at least a modicum of […]
BOSE Introduces Tiny New Bluetooth Speaker
Bose has just introduced the SoundLink Micro Bluetooth speaker, its small but rugged portable speaker. It Measures just 9.5cms wide and deep, 3.8cms high, and weighing a mere 290 grams.. Tested beyond its IPX7 waterproof rating, the Micro lets you enjoy music, take and make calls, and access Siri or your Google Assistant The Micro is packed […]
M2 SEPTEMBER 2017 issue
M2 Luxury Watch Guide 2017
The phrase ‘time is relative to the observer’ arose from Albert Einstein’s field equations, which were published in 1915. Although he was talking about time as it pertains to general relativity, this extends to us as observers within the human condition. A minute can feel like hours at moments of stress. Conversely, the oft-thrown-around idiom […]
12 Ways to Prevent Prostate Cancer
With an annual death toll numbering some 500 men, prostate cancer claims more lives than the road toll. Not only is it the most common type of cancer found in men with more than 2,500 new diagnoses each year, it is also the third most common cancer contributing to premature death among males. To address […]
When To Not Care in Business
It’s not often I get the time to sit down and read a book. Maybe it was something about the title that provoked an interest. If anyone is familiar with the bestseller The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life, Mark Manson tells us that not giving […]
Made to Measure
Known for their meticulous attention to detail, creative flair and with famed designer Alessandro Sartori at the helm, Ermenegildo Zegna’s reputation for producing elite made to measure suits is second to none. We recently invited a select group of M2 readers along to Ermenegildo Zegna’s flagship store to check out their made to measure service. […]
M2 AUGUST 2017 issue
Farmyard Frolics – Audi Q5/SQ5
Over the years, high-end European SUVs have been given the less than gracious nickname Remuera Tractors. Fitted with more bling than an American Rap artist, but with (if possible) less substance behind them, it’s easy to understand why. In truth, their general day-to-day use barely has them venture into a puddle or over a speed […]
Top 9 Stress Reducing Foods
What you eat forms the basis of everything that your body does and to function at your best, it’s important to eat a diet packed full of nutrient-rich foods. With an ever increasing number of Kiwis suffering from chronic stress, anxiety and depression, it’s time to start looking to our diets to help support our […]
The Future of New Zealand Architecture
New Zealand currently has 14 projects shortlisted in the World Architecture Festival, which is judging over 500 projects from around the world. We have plenty of completed projects being judged, but I like to look to the future at what we have changing our public spaces in the near future. Four future projects are currently […]
Surgeons of the Sea
Free Willy vs Jaws… who wins? Hollywood has altered our expectations about how this sort of apex predator duel would go down. Unless you spend more time watching documentaries than old movies on VHS, then the answer isn’t so clear. The biggest great white sharks can measure six metres long, weigh more than 2200 kilograms […]
M2 JULY 2017 issue
Tesla Model S P100D: the Fidget Spinner
Unless you have your head in the sand, it’s hard to ignore the seemingly overnight success of the fidget spinner. Virtually everywhere you look, kids (and adults too) have a little device whizzing around on their fingertips, and these ‘toys’ that come in various materials and a vast array of colours have become the must-have […]
Cyclones & Grapes The Making of a Unique Vintage
If you thought that 2017’s random weather patterns had ruined your weekend plans spare a thought for our nation’s winemakers whose reputations hinge on one of the more challenging vintages in recent history. With Cyclone Debbie, Cyclone Donna, Cyclone Cook and other extreme weather events impacting vineyards all over the country winemakers have had a […]
Books, Movies, Review July 2017
Murder Games James Patterson & Howard Roughan A living testament of the old saying, ‘practice makes perfect’, prolific writer Patterson just keeps getting better. And 300+ million books sales are proof. He just turned 70 years old this year and this book is great! As it says on the back cover: “the pages turn themselves.” […]
The Urban Traveller
Whether it is a 24-hour stay across the ditch at a conference you must attend, or a big client negotiation in Singapore, travelling for work sucks… unless you are one of those guys that manages to make it look and feel like the most glamorous luxury and treats each trip like a mini holiday. The […]
M2 JUNE 2017 issue
Sport – June 2017
FORMULA ONE, POST BERNIE It may still be the same old picture in the Constructors’ Championship, but reigning champion Nico Rosberg’s replacement, Valtteri Bottas has stepped up to challenge team mate and enfant terrible, Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes’ new boy claimed the recent Russian Grand Prix, while Ferrari’s resurgence has seen Sebastian Vettel as a fixture […]
The Making of Jimmy Choo: From a Pair of Shoes to a Fashion Empire
In 1972, as an 11 year old, Jimmy Choo Yeang Keat placed the finishing touches on a pair of shoes crafted with his own hands under the watchful eye of his shoemaker father. It doesn’t seem possible that either of them in that moment could have imagined the young boy would grow up to be […]
REPORT: The Truth Behind the Housing Crisis
There have been countless conversations about affordable housing and what (or who) is to blame. Little of this conversation, however, has taken into consideration the problem of expensive materials. Could addressing this be the solution to affordable housing? Whenever talk turns to housing, whether it is on the news or in a brave office conversation, […]
4 of the Most Off- Limit Places On Earth
We have plenty of lists of places you absolutely must visit. But there are also plenty of places on earth you absolutely can’t ever visit, unless you’re one of the privileged few researchers or techheads. NORWEGIAN SEED VAULT 4 Places You'll Never Be Able To Visit These are the most mysterious and off limit places […]
Exclusive Content
Explore Inside M2 magazine
Cover Story • Drink • Entertainment • Experience • Food • Health • M2 Coach
M2 Man On The Street • Mandate • Report • Sport • Style • Success • Tech • Wheels • Wine
M2 April 2018 (Full Issue) • M2 March 2018 (Full Issue) • M2 February 2018 (Full Issue) • M2 January 2018 (Full Issue) • M2 December 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 November 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 October 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 September 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 August 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 July 2017 (Full Issue) • M2 June 2017 (Full Issue)
